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Finding Good Bugs to Battle Bad Plants

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Contributed by: Linette Trabulsy on 7/21/2008

The Governing Board of the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) approved a three-year agreement to continue developing biological controls-in the form of tiny insects-to help safeguard natural South Florida habitats from the insidious Brazilian Pepper and Old World Climbing Fern.

The District is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service to identify and establish a sustained population of natural enemies, known as biological controls, to reduce the spread of the pest plants. Biological controls against Florida's invasives are typically moths or mites that feed on or kill the exotic weeds. The effort will benefit Everglades restoration as well as all natural Florida lands.

"Funding biological control research represents the District's commitment to using environmentally friendly alternatives for invasive weed eradication," said SFWMD Executive Director Carol Ann Wehle. "The ongoing partnership between the District and the USDA is vital to success."

The Governing Board approved nearly $1.3 million for the invasives control program, which supports ongoing research and monitors the program's impacts. Close to $200,000 is already budgeted, with the remainder subject to the Board's budget approvals for fiscal years 2009 through 2011.

Brazilian Pepper, Schinus terebinthifolius, is a South American shrub introduced into Florida as an ornamental plant in the 1840s. Today, it is considered one of the most noxious, widespread weeds in Florida. The peppers readily invade everything from fallow farmland to hardwood hammocks and mangrove forests.

Lygodium microphyllum, the climbing fern, is equally as aggressive in overtaking native plants. Both invaders destroy South Florida's vital wildlife habitats.

The District has funded a biocontrol program for Lygodium since 1997. To date, 16 bio-agents have been identified as potential controls. Two moths and a mite have shown the most promise so far. Researchers are also seeking natural enemies of the Brazilian Pepper.

For more information invasive plant management, visit www.sfwmd.gov. For information on the two invasive plants, visit the USDA Agricultural Research Service at: www.ars.usda.gov

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The South Florida Water Management District is a regional, governmental agency that oversees the water resources in the southern half of the state - 16 counties from Orlando to the Keys.It is the oldest and largest of the state's five water management districts.The agency mission is to manage and protect water resources of the region by balancing and improving water quality, flood control, natural systems and water supply.A key initiative is cleanup and restoration of the Everglades.

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